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‘COMMERCIALISATION OF VOTES A BARRIER TO WOMEN’

25/09/2018 08:59:00 BY SITHEMBILE HLATSHWAYO

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MBABANE – Women candidates who have crashed out in the elections have cited the commercialisation of elections as their main barrier to get to Parliament.

According to the women, the current Tinkhundla system of Governance functioned in a way where there was no political will to usher them into Parliament.

This is what the women had to say:

Hleli Luhlanga – “The fact that I had made myself available to serve my community is a sign that I am interested to be part of the decisions that are taken at leadership level in the country. Such decisions include the representation of women in the country, the youth and the nation at large. However, there is something about the Tinkhundla system on how it functions, on whether there is a political will to usher in women to serve and be part of the discussions. No matter how much I may want to serve and stand on the highest mountain, as long as the system is not permitting, my efforts will not see the light of day. Looking at the profiles of those who have won the elections, it was affluent businessmen from different communities.

“The fact that we the women folk crashed out has something to do with our social economic status and very little with leadership capabilities. Coming from a very small community, where I was supported by the majority says a lot about my leadership capabilities. However, when going out to the other chiefdoms, I crashed because I was not able to buy the votes. There are those big names among the women who are interested in going to Parliament who have crashed out as well. Those big names come from wealthy backgrounds or have been in Parliament before. Because of interest, they would be backed up by the businessmen. I have lobbied for Senate before and know how these things work and do not want to be naive about it.”

Given a chance, what would you like to see being done? “Given a chance to be in Parliament, I would want to have a discussion and reach an agreement that the system that we currently have does not favour women and is not applicable for women’s political participation, hence the need to find a way of accommodating the fairer sex.”
Esther Dlamini – “I wanted a last chance to serve in Parliament and would like to be appointed should that chance avail itself. After losing, I am not bitter, as there were those people who wanted me to go and serve their interests.”
Given a chance, what would you like to see being done? “Roads would definitely be a priority for me. We have a high number of accidents due to these bad roads which need attention. I would also support the high business zones to uplift the country’s economy.”

Nonhlanhla Dlamini – “Being in the House of Assembly would be a strategic position for me as a young woman. I would like to influence laws and policies that would benefit the most vulnerable and bring development to the communities. I would be interested in representing the marginalised group and the youth of the country.”
Given a chance, what would you like to see being done? “Quality education for all is a priority for me in order for everyone to reach their full potential. Also, the economy development charter must be in place so that we fight poverty with reasonable resources.

“Job security is also another important aspect as a number of people were losing their jobs and something really needs to be done to secure the future. Further, the inclusion of people in decision-making in order to do things together. ‘Akusiko ngami kungatsi’; it’s not about me but it’s about us.”

Hlob’sile Ndlovu – “Accepting the nomination for elections to Parliament was a fervent expression of interest to serve in the august House, however, I would humbly welcome any other opportunity that can actualise my dream. I pray for the grace and favour of God to locate and establish me in the 11th Parliament.”

Given a chance, what would you like to see being done? “I would not want to attempt this question as it would be misconstrued for premature campaigning.”